Venerated outer East Portland ‘Crime Prevention Specialist’ retires

Find out who has the task of taking over the duties of Rosanne Lee, now that she has departed her post …

Tom Barnes, Public Safety Chair of the Powellhurst Gilbert Neighborhood Association, thanks Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee for her service during her retirement party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There were many sad faces at the retirement party of well-known outer East Portland Crime Prevention Specialist Rosanne Lee on January 31. One by one, co-workers, neighborhood leaders, and friends stood up and told about their interaction with Lee.

Lightening the mood, Lee smiled, “It’s not like I’m leaving the city or country – I’m just leaving this job. It’s nice to go out on a high point. It’s a good thing to have everyone together.”

Judy Welch, who chaired the Lents Neighborhood Association for many years, recalls how Rosanne Lee helped improve safety in that community.

Her boss, City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Involvement Director Amalia Alarcon de Morris, congratulated Lee.

“I thank you for all the good you’ve done. I wish you many years of doing all the things you wanted to do, but didn’t have the time to,” Alarcon de Morris said. “I wish you health and prosperity, and to be surrounded by your family.”

With her husband Gary, Rosanne Lee is served cake at her celebration.

Lee thanked her husband, Gary, for supporting her in her job over the years. “There were times I couldn’t tear myself away from doing e-mail or using the phone, even at home, in the evening or on the weekend.”

The some 50 people who attended the party mingled and many enjoyed a slice of Lee’s celebratory cake after the brief formal presentations.

About her immediate future, Lee told East Portland News, “I want to go home and clean my house. Then, I’ll reestablish my home office and craft room. Then, I plan to volunteer [at East Precinct], helping out the administrative staff and the Neighborhood Response Team with Trespass Agreements and Enhanced Safety Program.”

Lee introduced Samantha “Sam” Freeman, the person hired to take over her responsibilities. Lee gave this advice: “Take it one day at a time, don’t be afraid to think outside the box; if you think it’s a really good idea, go ahead and do it; and, get to know the neighborhoods.”

Saying she was proud to be associated with the program for seventeen years, Lee concluded, “Sometimes I just wonder where the time went. Crime Prevention can do great things, when we put our mind to it. I support the program, and I want to stay robust, and grow.”